WEST LONG BRANCH – Two universities and a college professor, including Monmouth University Professor Joseph Patten, were chosen this year to share in the 2013 Academic Affairs Awards presented by The Washington Center.

Patten was presented with the Liaison of the Year Award earlier this month during The Washington Center’s annual awards luncheon in Washington, D.C.

“Congratulations to Professor Patten on this well-deserved award,” said Monmouth University President Paul R. Brown. “His passion for teaching, scholarship, and mentoring students in outstanding programs outside the classroom, like at The Washington Center, bring life to their classroom studies.”

The award recognizes the consistent and exceptional support of schools and their staff to experiential education through their dedicated partnership with The Washington Center. Further, Patten is the first alumnus from The Washington Center to receive this award. As a seasoned liaison, Patten has encouraged and nurtured countless students through the years. Through his energy and enthusiasm, he makes the D.C. internship experience a reality.

“Professor Patten is a shining example of how universities are taking the traditional curriculum model and incorporating study-away internship experiences that teach self-awareness, community engagement and lifelong leadership skills,” said Mike Smith, president of The Washington Center. “Joe Patten is a true leader within the academic community and we congratulate him on this honor.”

Patten is chair of the department of political science and sociology and associate professor of political science at Monmouth University where he teaches courses in American politics. In 2009, he received Monmouth University’s Distinguished Teacher Award. He also serves as the coach of Monmouth University’s Policy Debate Team and as the president of the New Jersey Political Science Association (2012-2013). He co-authored a textbook titled “Why Politics Matter: An Introduction to Political Science” (Wadsworth Cengage Publisher) with Professor Kevin Dooley in 2012.

Kulat, who has been a top-producing realtor for the past 20 years, formerly with E.A. Armstrong Agency, will focus on Monmouth County with an emphasis on the Two-River peninsula, as well as Middletown, Colts Neck and Ocean Township. She chose to rejuvenate her business through joining Resources, she said, because of their creativity and energy, as well as their state-of-the-art and cutting-edge approach. “It’s a boutique service – not corporate.”

“JoAnn brings so much to the table,” said Carolynn Diakon, broker-senior partner. “She has been active in the community and has a very upbeat approach to everything she does. We are excited to have her join our team.”

Kulat is a mother of three boys, has been a Turning Lives Around Domestic Violence advocate, and is a former Shrewsbury Borough school board member. She is also a former leader of Mothers of Preschoolers, has been a foster parent for the county, as well as an avid tennis player and bike rider.

“JoAnn has always been really good at helping clients enjoy the journey,” said Thomas McCormack, broker-managing partner. “People will look forward to the process with her and appreciate her experience. We’re thrilled to have JoAnn with Resources.”

Resources Real Estate is located at 112 East River Road in Rumson, 36 Beach Road in Monmouth Beach and 4A West Front St. in Red Bank. For more local real estate information or to inquire about a career in real estate, call 732-212-0440 or visit resourcesrealestate.com.

Red Bank Firm Named NJ Restaurant Association Builder of the Year

RED BANK – Patriot Construction Services, a full-service construction management and general contracting firm, with offices in Red Bank and Middletown, was recently awarded the 2013 New Jersey Restaurant Association Builder of the Year Award at its 21st annual Robert B. Connelly Golf Outing and Hall of Fame Awards Reception in Scotch Plains.

The award recognizes the top New Jersey restaurant builder that excels in all phases of their business. Outstanding customer service, innovative technology and initiating best business practices are all components that make the award an honor to win.

“I am proud of our team and honored to have won this prestigious award,” said Kris Lukowitz, president of Patriot Con­struc­tion Services, “particularly from an industry leading organization such as the New Jersey Restaurant Association (NJRA). Since 2009 we have conducted our operations on the premise that we partner our team with our clients. With this approach, our involvement goes beyond just plans and specifications. We get intimately involved in understanding our clients’ goals and anticipations to ensure we deliver not just a quality project, on time and within budget, but a project that, in the end, has met our clients’ expectations. That philosophy, I believe, compliments the motto of the NJRA perfectly. NJRA is the industry’s leading champion for these values. It’s gratifying to have them recognize our efforts to deliver those values in every project we do.

“The other distinctive aspect of receiving this award is that it applauds the efforts of every Patriot employee,” Lukowitz added. “We have assembled an accomplished team of professionals, from our estimators and project managers to our superintendents, support staff and company leaders. Each individual plays an integral role in our company’s ability to deliver success. This award isn’t based upon one person’s accomplishments. It is based upon desire, drive and passion, over the span of an entire year, that highlights the great work and dedication of every employee.”

Patriot Construction Services is a full-service construction management and general contracting firm specializing in the commercial, retail and restaurant sectors of the industry. Patriot is currently serving 21 states with over 75 years of combined, professional experience. Patriot’s leadership team provides expertise in ground-up and interior improvement projects.

Greenleaf to Speak at Retirement Plan Stewardship

RED BANK – Adjunct lecturer Jamie Greenleaf, principal of Cafaro Greenleaf, and industry leading panelists will present an educational program by The Plan Sponsor University (TPSU) hosted on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at Rutgers University, New Brunswick.

The half-day program covers essential topics pertaining to retirement plan stewardship for business owners, benefit specialists and retirement plan fiduciaries.

Steff Chalk, executive director of The Plan Sponsor University said, “Ms. Greenleaf has, in the past, delivered a high quality and thought-provoking session when working with the Plan Sponsors and nationally recognized industry specialists,” said Steff Chalk, executive director of The Plan Sponsor University. “Jamie has taken a leadership role in content development and program design when working with The Plan Sponsor University and I look forward to her consistent delivery at our upcoming event.”